Drove through water and killed my engine! Will Admiral help?

smudger1946

Accident is an accident however it happens.
I once had a stone go through the radiator grill which in turn seized the engine, the company who fixed car told us to TELL the insurance company it is an accident as a result we got a new engine paid for by insurance co.
But of course the people to ask is the insurance co, good luck.

malky39

I had the same incident 4 years ago with my seat ibiza tdi. I was insured with admiral and they payed out for a new engine around £3000 including labour so i would say yes they will pay out

buglawton

This happened to my brothers diesel car at 50k miles. Insurance paid out 50% of new engine fitting as it was new for old. Does this major destruction only happen with diesels?

malky39

buglawton wrote: »

This happened to my brothers diesel car at 50k miles. Insurance paid out 50% of new engine fitting as it was new for old. Does this major destruction only happen with diesels?

When my local garage who i took the car to first said it is more likely to happen to diesel cars than petrol

Clint_Magnum

This situation just gets worse!
I'd heard nothing back form Admiral so chased them over the phone. They informed me the car will be written off. They then did a three way call with DVLA to confirm I had a full UK driving license and correct date of birth etc. During this call the DVLA made mention of an SP30 driving offence which occurred 3 yrs ago when a speed camera flashed me in a 30mph zone. Admiral state they were unaware of this and won't pay, referring my claim to their underwriters.
They state that they suspect I fraudulently omitted the driving conviction to obtain a cheaper premium which is fraud so therefore won't pay me out for my written off car. On a strict liability issue I guess they're right so no need to reply and tell me it's my fault as I'm painfully aware of that now. This was not legally a "conviction" as it was never at court, rather a fixed penalty fine paid via post, although I should have disclosed it. It was also 3yrs old when I obtained my insurance quote so I was under the impression it was spent.
Why on earth would I wilfully fail to disclose a 3yr old fine. I didn't gain any financial advantage as I spoke with insurers via phone who all that 3 penalty points for a 30mph speed camera would not raise or effect the premiums (but I guarantee they won't admit this now!).
The Financial Ombudsman website seems a little fairer and gives some provision for genuine error and oversight but I fear I'm !!!!!!ed as Admiral won't pay me a penny now. Anyone had similar experiences with any insurers?

dacouch

When did you first take out cover with Admiral?

Are there any reasons you did not disclose the conviction to Admiral?

Read this from the Ombudsman very carefully as it may help you.

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/publications/ombudsman-news/46/46_non_disclosure_insurance.htm